ECB - Employment, Community Based Day Supports & Transitions

Employment Services provides work training and employment for 75-85 people with developmental disabilities each year. The goal is to maximize each person's independence and inclusion in the community by providing individualized employment training and work skill refinement at small, community-based work sites.

Community Based Day Supports (CBDS)

The CBDS Program at the Blanche I Battaglino Center, 31 Woodland Road, Waltham offers individuals an innovative dual-funded program that maximizes individual independence. The program combines MassHealth funded Day Habilitation programming activities offered on site and Department of Developmental Services funded Community Based Day Support services offering inclusive community access in integrated settings both on and off site in the community. The CBDS program serves adults ages 22 to 65 who have moderate to high developmental skills. CBDS provides each person the opportunity to have a personalized and flexible schedule of therapeutic and educational programming combined with community access integration, social inclusion, leisure/recreation activities and volunteer activities in the community.

Group and Individual Supported Employment

Opportunities for Inclusion operates five Group Supported Employment sites; three at Brandeis University, one at Bentley University and one at Babson College. This program provides trainees with a minimum wage, community based job that offers full time staff supervision and individual case management. We also serve participants in an Individual Supported Employment Program. We develop jobs and assist individuals in applying and interviewing. After placement, Employment Services provides individualized coaching, travel training, case management and a job club to discuss work-related issues.

MRC Vocational Services

The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) has chosen Opportunities for Inclusion as a qualified agency to deliver a range of vocational services for which they provide funding. These include: Vocational Evaluation; Work Adjustment Training; Skills Training; Job Support Services; and Supplemental Support Services.

The Transitions program uses a whole life planning approach to help students ages 13 to 21 face the challenges of moving from school to work and adult life. Students receive career counseling, vocational training and other support services including: job readiness training, career exploration, work experiences, training and placement, job coaching and travel training. The program also aids students and their families with benefit eligibility and obtaining funding for adult services.

Funding and Accreditation

Opportunities for Inclusion programs are funded by the Division of Medical Assistance (MassHealth), the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), Massachusetts Commission for the Blind and private fees. The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accredits the Day Habilitation and Community Based Day Supports (CBDS) programs. Day Habilitation and CBDS programs are licensed by the Department of Developmental Services Survey and Certification process. Opportunities for Inclusion has consistently received the highest level of certification from both organizations.

Referrals

Referrals are received through the Department of Developmental Services, Department of Medicaid Assistance and Massachusetts Commission for the Blind. The agency also accepts private pay. If wait time for services occurs, future participants will be placed in the program appropriate to their needs in order of their application and acceptance to the agency.